The Initiation Document forms the basis for the baseline's management and the assessment of overall success. Its primary uses are: (i) ensure that the baseline has a sound basis before asking anyone to make major commitments to it; (ii) act as a base document against which the project board and project manager can assess progress, project issues and ongoing viability questions. Fundamental questions include: What, Why, Where, Who, How and When?

The extent of the baseline subject matter will determine the level of detail for these items. Content items are divided in Stable and Dynamic. Especially the dynamic content elements are further elaborated in other (linked) management products.

Background

Context of the baseline, how the current position has been arrived at.

Baseline Definition

Explain what the baseline work needs to achieve. It will contain:

Baseline Objectives

Scope

Deliverables and/or desired outcomes

Exclusions

Constraints

Interfaces

Assumptions

Approach

Tolerances

Controls

How is control to be exercised? What are the reporting and monitoring mechanisms that will support this?

1. It offers a shared view of: What an initiative is intended to achieve, in respect of business outcomes and benefits, if it is to be regarded as a success;
How the collective project team will work together to deliver these outcomes; The potential impact of change linked to the desired business outcomes; and ensuring that a focus on these is sustained throughout the initiative lifecycle.